Presidents Message

We began the month of May with a warm and engaging members’ gathering held on the 7th of May.

We were fortunate to receive training from South East Monash Legal Service on the topic of Healthy Relationships and our Rights and Responsibilities in relation to family violence and the law. The session was both informative and thought-provoking, sparking honest and respectful discussions — especially around cultural dynamics and challenges within families.

We also welcomed guest speakers from South East Palliative Care, who provided an insightful overview of what palliative care entails and the services their organisation offers. Their presentation was educational and well-received, with many participants actively engaging through thoughtful questions.

A delicious lunch was shared during the meeting, fostering connection and community spirit. It was wonderful to see new faces in the room, and we’re thrilled to be receiving more membership applications each day. Our network is growing, and our collective presence is stronger than ever.

I’m delighted to share some exciting news: the Interfaith Network’s long-standing application for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status has been approved by the ATO, with the endorsement taking effect from 16 May 2025. This is a significant milestone that opens up new possibilities for funding and expanding the services we provide to our community.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Vivek Shah and Jasbir Suropada to the Executive Committee. Their wealth of experience and commitment will be invaluable to our ongoing work, and I look forward to collaborating with them in our shared mission.

On a national note, I feel deeply encouraged by the recent federal election results. As a multicultural Australian, I am proud to see the country choose leadership that values humility, inclusion, and compassion. While Peter Dutton’s rhetoric on immigration and national security was perceived as divisive by many, Anthony Albanese’s leadership has brought a tone of unity and respect. This election result was a strong message from Australians — a rejection of racism, division, and hatred in favour of shared values and community.

In these uncertain times, when so many around the world are displaced by conflict or disaster — in places like Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and others we rarely hear about — I am reminded of how fortunate we are to live in safety. But with that privilege comes a responsibility to speak out, care for others, and stand in solidarity with those who are suffering.

Let us continue to foster understanding, empathy, and collective action. Together, we have the power to create change and help build a more just and compassionate world.

Be safe. Be empowered. Speak out for those who have no voice.

Warm regards,
Mehtap Williams, President, Interfaith Network

Dear members of the Interfaith Network,

As we navigate the month of April, we recognize a tapestry of significant observances that resonate across our diverse faith communities in Melbourne. This period offers us moments of reflection, celebration, and unity.

Easter (April 18–21, 2025)
To our Christian communities, we extend heartfelt wishes for a meaningful Easter. Beginning with Good Friday on April 18 and culminating in Easter Monday on April 21, this sacred period commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death.​

Passover (April 12–20, 2025)
Our Jewish friends observe Passover starting at sundown on Saturday, April 12, concluding on Sunday, April 20. This festival honors the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, emphasizing themes of freedom, resilience, and faith.​

Baisakhi (April 14, 2025)
To the Sikh community, we convey warm greetings for Baisakhi on April 14. This festival marks the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and celebrates the harvest season, reflecting gratitude and community spirit.​

ANZAC Day (April 25, 2025)
As we approach ANZAC Day on April 25, we pay tribute to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. This day fosters a spirit of remembrance and national unity, reminding us of the values of courage, mateship, and perseverance.

I would like to add the famous quote from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of modern Turkiye, is a powerful message of reconciliation and respect. It’s often shared on ANZAC Day to honour the fallen and foster peace between former adversaries. Here’s the quote:

“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives… You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours.
You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears;
your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.
After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”
— Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, 1934

This quote is often included in ANZAC Day commemorations as a symbol of unity and mutual respect between Turkey and Australia/New Zealand.

In Memoriam: Pope Francis
We also acknowledge with deep respect the recent passing of Pope Francis, a global spiritual leader who modelled humility, inclusion, and a deep commitment to interfaith dialogue. His vision of a more compassionate, just, and sustainable world has touched hearts across all traditions. May his memory be a blessing and his legacy continue to inspire unity and understanding. From living in a modest guesthouse instead of the papal palace, to washing the feet of prisoners and refugees on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis modelled servant  leadership. His emphasis on mercy and inclusion resonated with many Catholics who felt distant from the institutional Church.

In this season of diverse observances, may we find common ground in our shared values and continue to build bridges of understanding and respect!​

We as the Interfaith Network also had our Executive meeting April the 9^th. We are continuing to grow our membership as we welcomed more members to our network. We had a wonderful presentation from the City of Greater Dandenong about ‘Back Your Neighbor’ Campaign. In 2018, the Federal Government cut financial assistance to people seeking asylum via the Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) Program. A Mayoral Roundtable of Victorian Councils formulated options for combined advocacy to the Federal Government. This led to the establishment of the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum, with Brimbank, Casey, Darebin, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Greater Dandenong, Monash, Merri-bek and Yarra, as Executive Members. This collaboration has grown with 70+ community organisation partners and they are still actively advocating for people seeking asylum who live and contribute to our society. We as a network are also supporting this initiative and will continue our support in anyway we can for this worthwhile cause.

The second Places of Worship Tour of City of Greater Dandenong with staff was held on April 24th, 2025.  16 people attended the tour and the feedback was very positive from all. We look forward to extending this initiative to all council staff.

Upcoming Members meeting, May 7th, 2025.  If you are yet to register for this meeting, please email Lilian on administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au we look forward to seeing you all.

As I wrap up, let’s all remember to take care of ourselves and each other. Stay mindful, stay safe, and prioritize your well-being — both physically and mentally. A little kindness, a little caution, and a lot of care can go a long way. Wishing you good health, strength, and peace wherever you are. Take care!